our society has become obsessed with materialism. We have abused our water, soil and air.

In the name of progress and growth, we have plundered our environment and are in trouble ecologically.

"Climate change is a problem which can no longer be left to our future generation. When it comes to the care of our common home, we are living at a critical moment of history. We still have time to make the change needed to bring about a sustainable and integral development, for we know that things can change." (Pope Francis' address to Congress, September 24, 2015)

There are many opportunities in Spokane to improve our environment.

Statistics

Food, water safety, and air quality are environmental factors that impact the health of a community.

Air Quality. In 2013, Spokane County had one day where air quality exceeded the standard for particulate pollution. From 2009 to 2013, the rate of poor air quality remained stable. The average proportion of days in this five-year period that did not meet the standard was 0.24%.

Sewage Systems. In 2012, corrective action was initiated within two weeks for 100% of on-site sewage systems that failed in Spokane County. This was significantly higher than Washington state (84%). Food and waterborne diseases include: campylobacteriosis, Escherichia coli (E. coli) infections, giardiasis, listeriosis, salmonellosis, and shigellosis. The true prevalence of food and waterborne diseases is unknown because of the many factors that affect the reporting of cases. The rate of reported cases of food and waterborne diseases significantly decreased in Spokane County from 2009 to 2013 with a five-year rate of 34.0 cases per 100,000 population. The risk of contracting one of these diseases significantly decreased as age increased.

In 2012, 92% of food service establishments in Spokane County had fewer than the critical number of violations when inspected. This was significantly lower than Washington state (94%). Local food establishment inspection reports can be accessed online at srhd.org/inspections.

Private Wells. During 2013 in Spokane County, 10% of residents received water from a private well. This is a significantly lower proportion than Washington state (12%). (Spokane Counts 2015 report, Spokane Regional Health District)

National Climate Assessment. A special panel of scientists issued a draft report that details how climate change is disrupting the health, homes and other facets of daily American life. It warns that those disruptions will increase in the future. This report explains what it means for different U.S. regions, including the northwest, for various sectors of the economy and for future generations. Climate change is more than hotter temperatures. The report uses the word "threat" or variations of it 198 times and versions of the world "disrupt" another 120 times. The report, written by a team of 240 scientists, is required every 4 years by law. To read this 1,146 page report (which is still a draft and not officially a government report yet), visit http://ncadac.globalchange.gov. ("Global warming is hitting home, report says," by Seth Borenstein, Associated Press, January 12, 2012)